The price they pay

Brent Stirton's Image

Kambale Bemu, a ranger in Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo, was shot at point blank range two hours before this picture was taken.

While delivering supplies to a sub-station, he is thought to have disturbed a member of an armed group that finance their campaigns by poaching. Two years later, Kambale’s friend and colleague Masimengo Kanguru (left) resigned, fearing for his life. Atamato Tsa (right), stayed on but was murdered in 2015.


Behind the lens

Brent Stirton

Brent Stirton

South Africa

Brent is a Senior Correspondent for Getty Images. He does most of his work for National Geographic Magazine, focusing on the intersection of humans and the environment.

Image details

  • Canon EOS-1D X
  • 24–70mm f2.8 lens
  • 1/80 sec at f1.8
  • Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo
Copyright in WPY competition photographs remains the property of the respective photographers. You may not copy, share, reproduce or republish the photographs except as expressly permitted by copyright law. For media image usage enquiries, please contact us.

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